AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
A non-communicable disease: Artificial hearts are occasionally used to keep…
Full specification wording
Coronary heart disease: a non-communicable disease: Artificial hearts are occasionally used to keep patients alive whilst waiting for a heart transplant, or to allow the heart to rest as an aid to recovery.
An artificial heart is a mechanical pump that takes over some or all of the work of the heart.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 10 of 10
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
An artificial heart is a mechanical pump that takes over some or all of the work of the heart. It is used only occasionally because it is a major operation and carries risks such as infection, bleeding and blood clots. One important use is as a bridge to transplant: the device keeps blood circulating while the patient waits for a suitable donor heart. Another use is to rest the patient's own heart, giving it time to recover after severe illness or surgery. Artificial hearts can improve survival and quality of life in the short term, but they are not a routine cure and may need an external power supply.
What earns the marks
- An artificial heart is a mechanical pump that circulates blood when the natural heart cannot do so effectively.
- Artificial hearts are used only occasionally because of risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots and the need for a power supply.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing an artificial heart with a donor heart.
Put it right: An artificial heart is a mechanical pump, whereas a donor heart comes from an organ donor.
Thinking an artificial heart is a permanent cure for everyone.
Put it right: It is usually a temporary measure, used as a bridge to transplant or to rest the heart.
Ignoring the risks of artificial hearts.
Put it right: Mention problems such as infection, bleeding, clotting and the external power supply.
Exam tips
- State the two main purposes of an artificial heart: bridge to transplant and resting the heart to aid recovery.
- Use the phrase occasionally used and give a reason why it is not routine.
- Link the device to circulation, explaining that it maintains blood flow around the body.
Try the lesson
The start of the Coronary heart disease: a non-communicable disease: Artificial hearts are occasionally used to keep patients alive whilst waiting for a heart transplant, or to allow the heart to rest as an aid to recovery. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What is one of the main reasons a patient might be fitted with an artificial heart?
Listen
An artificial heart is a mechanical pump that takes over some or all of the work of the heart. It is used only occasionally because it is a major operation and carries risks such as infection, bleeding and blood clots. One important use is as a bridge to transplant: the device keeps blood circulating while the patient waits for a suitable donor heart. Another use is to rest the patient's own heart, giving it time to recover after severe illness or surgery. Artificial hearts can improve survival and quality of life in the short term, but they are not a routine cure and may need an external power supply. A strong answer earns marks for these points. An artificial heart is a mechanical pump that circulates blood when the natural heart cannot do so effectively. Artificial hearts are used only occasionally because of risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots and the need for a power supply. A common slip: Confusing an artificial heart with a donor heart. Instead, an artificial heart is a mechanical pump, whereas a donor heart comes from an organ donor. Exam tip: State the two main purposes of an artificial heart: bridge to transplant and resting the heart to aid recovery.
See it
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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